Book Review: Mennonites in the World War or Non-Resistance Under Test by J.S. Hartzler
Feb 10, 2010 reviews
I am a Christian who believes that Jesus calls us to live a life of Non-Resistance, it has been interesting explaining that belief to those who don’t share my convictions, especially when they are close friends or family. Probably one of the most common responses I have heard, is that of the old saying – “It is easy to be for peace in times of peace”. It is also a question that every believer in Non-Resistance must face some point in my life, it is something we must find a answer for, what is our answer in times of oppression and resistance? I think that same question applies for everyone and I think most people at some point in their life have explored the questions of limits, as they ask themselves thing like; How far will I go to protect myself, my family, a friend, my belongings and my beliefs?
Tags: "J.S. Hartzler", "Mennonite Publishing House", "Mennonites in the World War", "Non-Resistance Under Test", "Pacifism under Test", "Scottdale, Mennonite History, PA"
Book Review: The Fugitive by Myron Augsburger
Feb 10, 2010 reviews
Menno Simmons is “The Fugitive”, a former Catholic Priest to a Radical Reformer and Hunted Fugitive
It’s 1544. Menno Simmons, a leader in the new-and persecuted-free church movement, is on the run from the authorities in the Netherlands. With a price on his head, he stops to catch his breath on a darkened farm. He prays, “Lord, what do I do now?” – From the back of “The Fugitive”
Though I like to read, it isn’t often that I read a book that is fiction. I am not one to read novels or fictional stories. Besides some special classical reads, I can probably count on one hand how many times I have read a book classified as “Fiction”. However, in 2008, I read a book that grabbed my attention of the bookshelves at the Mennonite Historical Society in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “The Fugitive” is a book about Menno Simmons, one of the most influential pastoral voices in the foundation of the peaceful sect of Anabaptists known as Mennonites.
Logo’s Bible Software gives out Scholorships!
Jan 4, 2010 reviews
Some of you know that I am working on applying for some seminary classes at “Mennonite Brethren Seminary” in Fresno California. Luckily, I am doing accredited classes online, and not having to relocate to Central California.
Since 2005, I have been actively pursuing steps towards Church Planting in the Huntington Beach area; I just launched my “18 month countdown” to plant (visit it online www.huntingtonbeachchurch.org). During that preperation, I felt taking some classes on Biblical Interpretation as well as Discipleship and Ethics wouldn’t hurt.
As I was applying I came to find out, that Logos – the Bible Software company, has some awesome chances for people to win money for Seminary.
Tags: bible software, church planting, freshno, fresno, huntington beach church, logos, mennonite brethren seminary, recession, scholorship, sponsorship, support
4 Legs of Christianity: Where Do Anabaptists Fit? Have We Forgotton our Renewal Side?
Sep 15, 2009 reflecting, reviews
As I watched a Historian Speak the other Day at a Music Festival I was attending, she addressed the four main “legs” of Christianity, and tried to systematically explain into which leg every mainline and common church denominations fit into. As she broke down where even some smaller church types fit into, she almost purposely skipped over the Anabaptist movement of the church. I watched on from the side stage of the festival; sitting under a large canvas tent as the rain fell harder and harder outside, waiting for her to make sense of our unique pietism and peaceful movement – however no explanation came on which leg we leaned. Was it spirit led? Was it justice based? Was it Sola Scripture? I began to drone out her discussion as I became memorized by the pouring rain and entered thoughts on our movement and the full spectrum approach it took at the time of our succession.
Tags: Anabaptist, Catholic Priest, Charismatic, Dirk Willems, Free Course, Gifts of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Menno Simmons, Mennonite, Pilgram Marpeck, Prophecy, Renewal Church, South Germany, Speaking in Tongues, Spirtual Gifts, Swiss Brethren
